The Child Tax Credit (CTC), Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), and Credit for Other Dependents (ODC) are governed under IRC §24 and calculated using Schedule 8812 (Form 1040).
Child Tax Credit (CTC)
The Child Tax Credit is a partially refundable credit structure (but only through its refundable component).
- The credit first reduces federal income tax liability dollar-for-dollar (nonrefundable portion).
- Any remaining unused portion may be refundable only through the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) if all eligibility requirements are met.
- The nonrefundable portion is limited to tax liability and cannot generate a refund on its own.
Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC)
The ACTC is the refundable portion of the Child Tax Credit.
- It is not a separate credit; it is the refundable portion of the CTC under IRC §24.
- It is calculated on Schedule 8812 after determining:
- total allowable CTC, and
- nonrefundable portion used to offset tax liability
- Any remaining eligible amount may be refundable, subject to earned income thresholds and statutory limits under IRC §24(h).
Reporting:
- The ACTC is calculated on Schedule 8812 and carried to Form 1040.
- It then flows into the total payments/refund computation on Form 1040
Credit for Other Dependents (ODC)
- The Credit for Other Dependents is a nonrefundable credit only.
- It reduces federal income tax liability but cannot generate a refund
- Any unused portion is not refundable
- It is included in the nonrefundable credit calculation on Schedule 8812 and Form 1040
Important Conditions
- A valid SSN issued on or before the tax return due date (including extensions) is required for each qualifying child for CTC/ACTC.
- At least one spouse on a joint return must have a valid SSN for ACTC eligibility.
- Taxpayers claiming Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (Form 2555) are generally not eligible for ACTC.
- Credit amounts are subject to income-based phaseouts and calculation worksheets under Schedule 8812.
Source:
Schedule 8812 (Form 1040)
Disclaimer: Always verify with current Federal or State Department of Revenue Forms and Instructions. This guidance is based on IRS publications and form instructions for tax year 2025. For complex situations, consult a CPA or tax attorney.